MF 35; 4 cyclinder

Anyone any ideas on the root cause of these tractors starting problems and any
ideas on how they can be made start reasobly easy vs cost? Mine needs a good battery, easi-start and some luck!

I assume you're talking about the 4 cyl Standard diesel?

It has a reputation for hard starting. Tough engine, once it starts! That problem was a major factor in the switch to Perkins engines about 1959.

If all glow plugs or intake manifold heater are working properly, the next (and by far the most effective) step is a water heater, in the lower rad hose (easiest and cheapest) or block.

Ours has a 200 w +/- in the hose. 10 min in the summer, an hour or so in the winter and it starts right up.

They are available from tractor supply houses, and should be at UAP or NAPA for $25 or so.

In the winter, I have to squirt a little more starting fluid in her as she warms up (or else she'll stall)....

My TO-35 is my "big" tractor - only use it when I need more HP... My "everyday" tractor is my (easy starting) Ford 8N.

Tim